Chapter 15: The Rift Between Bonds
Tang San, Oscar, and the others immediately stepped forward, concern written across their faces.
"Rongrong, did someone upset you?" Oscar asked gently.
Ma Hongjun rolled up his sleeves, puffing out his chest in indignation.
"Sister Rongrong, just say the word. Who bullied you? I'll beat them up!"
Inside the carriage.
Ning Rongrong heard their voices outside and felt even more irritated.
As the cherished little princess of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, when had she ever been treated like this? When had she ever lowered herself so humbly to seek someone's favor?
Qin Chuan gave her a completely different feeling.
No—
She shook her head.
No way!
"Rongrong, you can't get discouraged now," she whispered to herself, clenching her small pink fists tightly.
"As long as we successfully win over that young man, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect will be protected for at least a hundred years."
"I'm doing this without any selfish motives. It's for the sake of the sect… for the family."
Repeating those thoughts like a mantra, she took several deep breaths. Her petite chest heaved with determination. Then, without hesitation, she lifted the curtain of the carriage again and prepared to step out.
"Rongrong, where are you going?"
A cold voice came from behind.
Startled, Ning Rongrong froze in place.
"I… I…"
She stammered, her delicate body stiffening.
"I… want to urinate…" she mumbled awkwardly.
"You're going to look for His Majesty, aren't you?"
Zhu Zhuqing's voice cut through her excuse like a blade.
"N-No!" Ning Rongrong turned back quickly, trying to deny it, her cheeks flushed red.
Zhu Zhuqing stepped forward, her voice calm but firm.
"I'll go with you."
The carriage fell into a brief silence. Xiao Wu, sitting at the side, blinked in confusion, her eyes wide.
What was going on?
What kind of magic did that man have?
Meanwhile, in Wuhun City—
The Pope's Palace.
"Your Majesty, the master has woken up!"
A voice echoed through the majestic hall as a man rushed inside to report.
Bibi Dong, who had been resting her cheek on one hand, slowly raised her head. Her beautiful face looked slightly worn with fatigue.
It had been two days since Qin Chuan had left.
During those two days, whether it was because of her mood or something else, Bibi Dong had visibly deteriorated. Her elegance remained, but the sharp glow in her eyes had dimmed.
"Was his leg saved?" she asked hoarsely.
The man lowered his head, not daring to meet her gaze.
"Reporting to the Pope… the elder used soul power to repeatedly break the master's bones and even shattered several meridians."
"I'm afraid… the master may never walk again."
A wave of oppressive silence swept across the palace.
Bibi Dong's expression darkened, and she slumped back against her throne, looking defeated.
With a tired gesture, she waved her hand.
"Go. I understand."
The man hesitated before mustering his courage to speak again.
"Pope… after waking up, the master realized he was in the Pope's Palace. He kept shouting that he wanted to see you."
Bibi Dong's aura turned chilling in an instant.
"Then make him shut up!"
Her voice echoed with fury.
"Don't you people know how to make someone shut up?! What's the point of keeping you trash around if you can't even do that?!"
The man trembled, quickly kneeling to the ground in fear.
For the past two days, the Pope's temper had grown increasingly unstable. At first it was just strict punishment, but today, several servants had already lost their lives.
Only when Bibi Dong's rage gradually subsided did he dare to speak again.
"I obey, Your Majesty. I will take care of it immediately."
He bowed again and turned to leave.
Just then, Bibi Dong's voice came again.
"Wait."
The man froze, his blood running cold.
"Summon Elder Yueguan."
Not long after, Ju Douluo Yueguan walked into the Pope's Hall, his face tense.
He saw a large shadow cast over the grand throne, and the Pope seated beneath it.
In her hand, she held the gemstone scepter. Her figure was half-concealed in darkness, her expression unreadable.
"Yueguan," she said coldly, "any news about the Great Elder?"
Despite being a Titled Douluo himself, Yueguan couldn't help but shudder under her chilling tone.
"Reporting to the Pope, there is news."
He took a deep breath, steadying himself.
"After the conflict with the master, the Great Elder tried to leave Wuhun City—but outside the city, he encountered the Sixth Priest."
Bibi Dong's eyes narrowed.
"You mean Qianjun Douluo? What was he doing there?"
"We do not know," Yueguan replied nervously.
"Given his strength, our people didn't dare to get close."
Bibi Dong's expression shifted slightly as she fell into thought.
What business did Qianjun Douluo have with Qin Chuan?
Farewell? That seemed unlikely… Unless…
Unless Qian Daoliu himself had made a move.
Her heart sank. Only Qian Daoliu, with his long-standing connection to Qin Chuan, could have mobilized the Sixth Priest.
What was that old man up to?
"And then? Where is the elder now?"
"After his conversation with the Sixth Priest, the Great Elder left Wuhun City and later appeared with the Heaven Dou Empire's participating team. He's joined them."
Bibi Dong's pupils shrank.
"The Heaven Dou Empire's team…"
Her voice trailed as she thought quickly.
"The team is led by the royal heir… Xue Qinghe, correct?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," Yueguan confirmed respectfully.
"The Crown Prince—your disciple."
"I see. You may leave, but continue monitoring the Great Elder's movements."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Once Yueguan had left, Bibi Dong leaned back against the throne again, her cheek resting on one hand as she stared into space.
Why would Qin Chuan join the Heaven Dou Empire's team?
And what does this have to do with that old bastard Qian Daoliu?
Or… could all of this be Qian Daoliu's doing?
As that thought took hold, Bibi Dong abruptly stood, her expression turning completely grim.
That's it.
That was the most likely explanation.
No wonder Qin Chuan, who had always been gentle and devoted to her, had changed so drastically. No wonder he had taken such offense at a minor matter and even asked for a divorce.
If Qian Daoliu had orchestrated everything behind the scenes, then it all made sense.
"What is that old man planning this time?" she muttered coldly.
"For more than ten years, he's looked down on me—believed I wasn't worthy of Qin Chuan. He's tried every means to tear us apart."
"You think I'll let you succeed now?"
She sneered.
"Follow the Heaven Dou Empire's team. Hmph…"
"Qian Renxue!"
"This Pope would love to see how a little girl like her thinks she can take a man from me."
With a flick of her sleeves, Bibi Dong sank back into her throne, her long legs elegantly crossed. Her posture was relaxed, yet regal.
"Pass down the Pope's order!"
Her cold voice rang through the vast hall.
Outside, the guards on both sides immediately dropped to one knee.
Heads bowed. Silence. Obedience.
"From this day forth, no one in the Spirit Hall is permitted to mention the name of the Great Elder."
"Violators—will be executed!"
Bibi Dong gazed through the heavy curtains, her eyes locked in the direction of the Douluo Hall.
"Qian Daoliu, you old bastard…"
"You want to tear us apart?"
"Fine."
"I, Bibi Dong, will bet everything—let's see who Ah Chuan chooses in the end—me, or your precious Qian Renxue."